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PE: You know Tracy is a great player and you know we’ll only go as far as he goes.

Have you given him any advice?

PE: I’ve talked to him. I’ve talked to him a lot. And he’s been receptive. He could easily tell me, “Man, shut up.” (Laughs) I tell him I’ve been in the same situation he’s in.

Do you like sharing your experience?

PE: Yeah, to share some things with him. Yeah, it makes me feel good. Especially when he listens.

The Magic are in the middle of the pack in the East. What do the Magic need to do to get ready for the playoffs?

PE: Basically we want to win games. I mean that’s it. We want to win as many games as we can to secure as high a seed as we can in the playoffs. And you know, take it from there. Playoffs are what you work for all season long. It’s all about jockeying for position to get the best record you can to go into the playoffs…and playoffs are what it is all about.

What do you think of your chances coming out of the East?

PE: You know we have a great opportunity. The East is so wide open. We still could be the team to come out of the East. We just have to play better. The guys have been doing a fantastic job and we just got to build on it and keep winning games.

Assuming the Magic make the playoffs, do you think you’ll play a bigger role with this team?

PE: I hope so. I think I have to be healthy. I think I’m a part of this team. I’m looking forward to it, that’s why I came here. In the playoffs you definitely need a lost post presence. I think that’s why Doc brought me here.

Is there any pressure knowing you were brought in to be the man down low come playoff time?

PE: I don’t even worry about pressure. Never did. If that was the case I’d give this sport up. (Laughs) Especially playing in New York. There’s no pressure. I’m just trying to help the team whenever my number is called.

Do you miss New York at all?

PE: No. I don’t worry about the Knicks anymore. All I worry about is getting my team, the Magic, ready for the playoffs.

PE: Shaq is just so big and awesome that you know you need help when you guard him. Whenever you play against the big fella you’re gonna have your work cut out for you. You’re gonna have to bring your lunch, your hard hat, your shovel, pickax, try to dig in deep, try to force him out. Do whatever you can. (Laughs)

Mike Tuck is a producer/on-air talent for 740 The Team in Orlando and a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com